Cited by 3,870Focus Groups and Qualitative MethodsQualitative Research Methods and EthicsQualitative Research Methods and Applications

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 43 of the 43 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; none of the 16 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.

The methodology of Focus Groups: the importance of interaction between research participants

Open access
Kitzinger, Jenny·1994·Sociology of Health & Illness

Abstract

What are focus groups? How are they distinct from ordinary group discussions and what use are they anyway? This article introduces focus group methodology, explores ways of conducting such groups and examines what this technique of data collection can offer researchers in general and medical sociologists in particular. It concentrates on the one feature which inevitably distinguishes focus groups from one‐to‐one interviews or questionnaires – namely the interaction between research participants ‐ and argues for the overt exploration and exploitation of such interaction in the research process.

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Crossref · 10.1111/1467-9566.ep11347023

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43 of 43 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Probably not a substantial claim. 18
  • It may state two separate claims as one. 40
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  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The group exercises used in the project elicit valid data about participants' understandings rather than merely serving as games.

    “Sucb exercises not only provided invaluable data from eacb group but allow for some cross-compadsons between groups.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    People are not self-contained, isolated, static entities; they are part of complex and overlapping social, familial and collegiate networks.

    “We are none of us seif-contained, isolated, static entities; we are part of complex and overiapping sociai, famiiiai and collegiate networks.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Personal behaviour is not cut off from public discourses and actions do not happen in a cultural vacuum.

    “Our personal isebaviour is not cut off from public discourses and our actions do not bappen in a cultural vacuum wbetber tbat is negotiating safer sex, sbadng needles, attending for a smear test or going 'queer basbing'.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    People learn about meanings through talking with and observing others, and act on knowledge in a social context.

    “We ieam about tbe 'meaning' of AIDS, (or sex, or beaitb or food or cigarettes) tbrougb taiking witb and observing otber peopie, tbrougb conversations at bome or at work; and we act (or faii to act) on tbat knowledge in a social context.”
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Citations

Cites

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Research works printed but not linked: 4

  1. Corner J., 1990, Television, A Media Research Monograph 4
  2. Glazer B., 1967, The Discovery of Grounded Theory
  3. Kitzinger J., Challenge and Innovation: Methodological Advances in AIDS Research
  4. Merlon R., 1956, The Focused Interview: A report of the bureau of applied social research

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Metadata

Authors
Kitzinger, J.
Affiliations
University of Glasgow (GB)
Corresponding author
Kitzinger, Jenny
Venue
Sociology of Health & Illness
Publisher
Wiley
Published
1994-01
Volume
16
Issue
1
Pages
103-121
ISSN
  • 0141-9889 (ISSN-L)
  • 1467-9566
OpenAlex
W2159172402
Cited by
3,870
References
43
Citations by year
2026: 116 · 2025: 135 · 2024: 151 · 2023: 171 · 2022: 164 · 2021: 183 · 2020: 223 · 2019: 225 · 2018: 211 · 2017: 186 · 2016: 180 · 2015: 192 · 2014: 226 · 2013: 197 · 2012: 193
FWCI
63.15
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Sociology of Health & Illness (publishedVersion)
  • ORCA Online Research @Cardiff (Cardiff University) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Focus Groups and Qualitative Methods
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics
  • Social Sciences › Education › Qualitative Research Methods and Applications
Keywords
focus groups, group interaction, qualitative data collection, medical sociology, group discussion, participant interaction, research methodology

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